Bojan

GM recalls Chevys and Buicks over blank instrument clusters

GM recalls Chevys and Buicks over blank instrument clusters 

December 12, 2023 Bojan Popic , ,

Warren, MI  – December 12, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Buick and Chevrolet brands, is recalling 60,154 vehicles because their digital instrument cluster may switch off, leaving the driver without vital information. This may lead to an accident, increasing the risk of injury. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall:  

  • 2024 Buick Encore GX
  • 2024 Buick Envista
  • 2024 Chevrolet Trax

Recall summary  

A software glitch in the affected cars may cause the dashboard to go black, depriving the driver of access to vital information, such as vehicle speed and various warnings.  

The component causing this recall is the virtual cockpit unit module with part number 86519681. 

Recall risks

The defect greatly ups the risk of a crash.

Other General Motors recalls

In January 2023, GM recalled nearly a quarter of a million vehicles, including Chevrolets and Buicks, over headlight issues. 

On a separate note, inoperable brakes were the cause of a Buick recall that took place in July 2022.

The repair

Dealers will update the dashboard software with an updated version. The upgrade can be done at the dealership or over-the-air.

Both options are free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on or before December 22, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 600,000 vehicles are affected by this GM blank display recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls Chevys and Buicks over blank instrument clusters 
Honda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire

Honda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire  

December 6, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA  – December 6, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, has recalled 248,999 vehicles that may lose power or burst into flames. Both situations greatly augment the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall comes on the back of multitudinous warranty claims and affects the following vehicles: 

  • 2016 – 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2015 – 2020 Acura TLX
  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Odyssey 
  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2016 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

A car’s engine has many moving components, with bearings between some of them to help reduce friction. In the affected vehicles, an engine’s internal rotating part – called the crankshaft – was not built within design specifications, which can cause the bearing that connects to it to fail. This can result in a stall or a fire caused by a subsequent oil leak.

Honda has listed the whole engine subassembly, with part number 10002-5J2-A00, as the cause of this recall. 

Recall risks

The risk of both fire and stall are described in this article about a recent Mercedes-Benz recall for the same issues.

Warning signs 

The driver may notice abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine bay and “decreased engine output.” In addition, these issues could also trigger the check engine light on the dashboard.   

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of almost 1,500 warranty claims. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Other Honda recalls

Some of these Honda vehicles may have been affected by a recall from July 2023, which was caused by rearview camera issues. 

In the same month, a brake failure prompted the Japanese car maker to recall a batch of their SUVs and pickups.  

The repair

Dealers will check the engine and will either repair or replace it free of charge.

Owners will receive letters with more information around January 2, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost a quarter million cars are affected by this Honda engine stall recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicHonda recalls Acura, Odyssey cars that may stall or catch fire  
Mazda recalls new CX-90 and MAZDA 3 cars with faulty 360 cameras

Mazda recalls new CX-90 and MAZDA 3 cars with  faulty 360 cameras

November 29, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 29, 2023 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) recalled 11,903 vehicles because their 360-degree cameras may fail to display an image. This limits visibility and ups the chances of backing into other vehicles or pedestrians. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2024 Mazda CX-90 
  • 2024 Mazda MAZDA 3 

Recall summary  

Due to a software issue, the image from one or more of the cameras may flicker or fail to display. If this happens, the driver’s view will be impaired. 

Recall risks

Risks posed by inoperable rearview cameras are well-documented in many of our previous recalls, such as this one from September 2023, which affected certain GM models. 

Other Mazda recalls

Inoperable rearview cameras were a cause of another Mazda recall that took place in July 2023. 

The repair

Dealers will update the monitor control module with an improved software version free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information by December 22, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mazda rearview camera recall affects more than 10,000 cars. To do a Mazda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicMazda recalls new CX-90 and MAZDA 3 cars with  faulty 360 cameras
BMW issues second recall for stalling cars

BMW issues second recall for stalling cars

November 28, 2023 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ  – November 28, 2023 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling  155,627 cars and SUVs that may stall while driving.  This ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic.

 The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2010 – 2012 BMW 1 Series
  • 2010 – 2012 BMW 3 Series
  • 2010 – 2011 BMW 5 Series
  • 2010 – 2011 BMW X3
  • 2010 – 2011 BMW X5
  • 2010 – 2011 BMW Z4

Some of these cars were recalled over the same issue back in 2014.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have an engine with variable valve timing, called VANOS, which adjusts the opening and closing of engine valves to achieve better performance and improve fuel economy. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that hold the VANOS housing in place may become loose or break.

If that happens, the VANOS may develop a leak which may subsequently lead to the activation of the limp-home mode or a stall.

The component causing the recall is the VANOS bolt, with part number 8602263.

Background of the recall

The seemingly identical problem was already addressed in 2014, in a recall where these bolts were replaced with new ones. But, due to a quality issue, the repair turned out to be insufficient. 

The present recall is also composed of additional vehicles that back in 2014 were included into an “extended warranty program” to address the same “condition”.

Recall risks

If the car stalls or enters the limp-home mode – which would decrease the power output – it may get hit from behind. The accident may result in injuries for the occupants of the car and other motorists involved.

Warning signs

The driver may see the “Check the engine” or “Service the engine soon” message of the dashboard. He or she may also perceive “distinct change in engine running condition, reduced engine power, and hear increased engine noise.”

Other BMW recalls

In May 2023, BMW recalled almost 100,000 Minis that were at risk of catching fire.  

On a separate note, BMW’s electric SUVs were recalled in July 2022 because their displays did not show critical safety information when parked by a valet.

The repair

Dealers will once again replace the suspected bolts with new ones free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on December 12, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW VANOS recall affects more than 150,000 cars. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicBMW issues second recall for stalling cars
Toyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off

Toyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off   

November 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – November 9, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 750,795 SUVs whose front bumpers and surrounding plastic trims may fall off and create an obstacle for other motorists, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Highlander 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

Recall summary  

The front bumper covers on affected SUVs have upper and lower sections which are held together with a series of retaining tabs. Some of these tabs may break “during normal operation.”

If this happens, the lower bumper section may separate and cause other pieces of plastic trim fastened to the bumper’s lower section to fly off as well. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this article about a similar Mercedes-Benz recall.

Other Toyota recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from May 2023 caused by an inoperable stability control system, as reported.

On a separate note, in August 2023, Toyota recalled over 43,000 luxury Toyota and Lexus hybrid SUVs because of the risk fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the bumper section and install upgraded retaining hardware if there is damage. If no damage is noticeable, the existing retaining tabs will be replaced with a sturdier version. 

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 11, 2023  and December 25, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota fly-away bumper recall affects approximately three-quarters of a million SUVs. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls Highlander SUVs whose front bumpers may fall off   
Nissan recalls 2023 Ariya SUVs that may stall

Nissan recalls 2023 Ariya SUVs that may stall 

November 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – November 1, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 9,813 2023 Nissan Ariya electric SUVs that they may shut down. This ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic. 

Recall summary  

The motors of the affected vehicles are powered by inverters which convert direct current (DC) stored in batteries into alternating current (AC) to propel the car forward.

Due to the intrusion of foreign particles into the motor, it may experience a short circuit. The short will shut off the inverter, resulting in a stall.

Nissan says that the power should be restored following a “vehicle power off and restart.” However, there is at least one instance where the driver was not able to restart the car and was stranded on the side of the road “for over an hour” waiting for a tow.

Recall risks

The risks of a stall are described in this article about a similar recall.

Warning signs

An “EV System Off” warning message will be shown on the display prior to the stall.

Safety tips

If you are stuck on the side of the road, get out of the car through the passenger door and do not stand too close to the vehicle to avoid getting struck by a distracted driver.

Other Nissan recalls

Nissan Sentra vehicles are subject to a September recall caused by the loss of steering, as reported.

Sentras were also included in another September recall caused by faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the inverter software free of charge.

Owners should have received letters with more information on October 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Nissan software glitch recall affects nearly 10,000 electric SUVs. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicNissan recalls 2023 Ariya SUVs that may stall 
Ford issues third recall for Ford Explorer SUVs that may lose power or roll away

Ford issues third recall for Ford Explorer SUVs that may lose power or roll away  

October 31, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – October 31, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 238,364 2020-2022 Ford Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away. Both situations increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of an U.S. government investigation, a driver sliding into a pole and a multitude of customer complaints.

Recall summary  

Part of the drivetrain – called driveshaft – may disconnect from the rear axle, which is responsible for transmitting power to the vehicle’s rear wheels and moving the car forward. The disconnection is caused by a bolt which may fracture due to a supplier error.

Background of the recall 

Ford recalled the majority of the affected vehicles last May, as reported. In some cases, instead of replacing the bolt, the manufacturer opted to deploy a software update which was designed the get the parking brake engaged to prevent rollaway once the vehicle stopped moving. The update did not address the stall issue and it later turned out that some of the involved vehicles received the update that did not even result in the engagement of the parking brake when needed.

This caused Ford to issue another recall to release the correct software update.

Amidst the recalls, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation after receiving two complaints alleging the loss of motive power in vehicles that have undergone repair.

The agency concluded that the software remedy was inadequate and ordered the present recall.

Recall risks

All the risks correspondent to a stall are described in this article about a related Mercedes-Benz recall.

A rollaway may lead to the vehicle hitting a stationary object, like a pole, which is exactly what happened to one of the drivers who filed a NHTSA complaint that led to this recall. No injuries were reported in that case but, overall, the defect did result in nearly 400 complaints and close to two dozen rollaway or stalling incidents .

Warning signs

The driver may hear “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises” coming from the back of the vehicle. 

Other Ford recalls

Drivetrain failure and corresponding rollaway were the cause of a recent Ford recall affecting a batch of heavy-duty pickup trucks. 

More than a three-quarter of a million F-150 trucks were recalled in August 2023 because their parking brakes would engage on their own. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the bushing and the bolt that holds the rear axle with a stronger one. In addition, they will check the axle’s cover for damage and replace it if necessary. 

This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between November 6, 2023  and November 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford rollaway recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues third recall for Ford Explorer SUVs that may lose power or roll away  
Mercedes-Benz recalls AMG-SL class Roadsters that may stall or catch fire

Mercedes-Benz recalls AMG-SL class Roadsters that may stall or catch fire   

October 22, 2023 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – October 22, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 5,326 cars that may stall or catch fire, upping the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63

Recall summary  

Gasoline-powered cars have a starter motor – which cranks and starts the engine – and an alternator that produces electricity when the engine is running. These two components are connected to the car’s electrical system with a wiring harness. 

In the affected vehicles, the said harness may be fitted incorrectly and come in contact with the drive shaft, which is a crucial component that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

The contact may damage the shaft and cause an electrical short. Besides potentially shutting down the engine, this can also cause the wiring to overheat and catch fire. 

Recall risks

Risks posed by the loss of power are described in a this article about stalling Kia EV6 electric cars.

The risks of fire are documented in this article about ongoing Kia and Hyundai fire issues.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Stalling has been the culprit of at least three other Mercedes-Benz recalls this year.

In June, the manufacturer recalled over 8,000 hybrids due to that risk.

In mid-July, the loss of propulsion prompted a recall of 164,000 Daimler and Mercedes-Benz cars.

Later that month, the issue resulted in a recall of C300 and AMG C43 sedans, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness and secure it in place so that it does not rub against other vehicle components anymore. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on December 5, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz engine stall recall affects more than 5,000 coupes. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls AMG-SL class Roadsters that may stall or catch fire   
US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

October 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Edge 
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation. 

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 
Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

October 7, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – October 7, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its sister company, Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling approximately 3.4 million vehicles that may catch fire while driving or parked and turned off. This dramatically ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recalls follow on the back of multiple fires, “melting incidents” and lawsuits dating back to 2017. Some of the cars involved are also subject to an ongoing US government investigation and have already been subject to fire-related recalls in the past. 

Hyundai’s recall affects 1.73 million cars, including the following models: 

  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Accent
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Azera 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Equus 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2013 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2010 – 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 
  • 2013 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 

Kia’s recall affects 1.64 million vehicles, including the following models: 

  • 2010 – 2019 Kia Borrego 
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2015 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 – 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2012 – 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2010 – 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2014 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Sportage 

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up in slippery conditions. This is done by the ABS module – or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), as Kia calls it –  which adjusts the brake force to each wheel. 

In affected vehicles, the ABS module may experience an “electrical short” which may cause it to catch fire. This may happen while driving or when the car is parked and its engine shut off. 

Recall risks

You can find out more about fire-related risks in this article about a November 2022 Kia recall over the same issue.

A 2020 class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers for ABS fires related to previous recalls describes hair-raising situations involving “the entire garage” catching fire due to an Elantra vehicle combusting into flames and vehicles bursting into flames “after being turned off for hours.”

Warning signs 

The malfunction indicator or the ABS light may come on the dashboard in the event of a fire. The occupants of the car may also notice smoke or a burning smell.

Safety tips

If your car catches fire, please follow the safety tips laid out in this article about a related GM recall. 

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle “outside and away from structures” until the repair has been conducted.

Background of the recalls

The recalls come on the heels of at least six lawsuits, 66 fires and “melting” incidents dating back to 2017. No injuries, fatalities or crashes have been reported.

Some of the affected vehicles are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation that has been looking into the adequacy of fire-related recalls Kia and Hyundai have conducted so far, as well as the need to recall more vehicles. It is not clear, however, if the present recalls are directly related to this investigation.

The recalls do appear to involve previously recalled vehicles or serve as expansions of recalls conducted for ABS fires in the past.

The repair

Both Kia and Hyundai dealers will remedy the defect by replacing the ABS fuse with one that has a lower amperage rating.

It is possible that your vehicle will need this remedy performed even if it was repaired under a previous fire-related recall.

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Kia will notify the owners between November 14, 2023 and November 23, 2023, while Hyundai will do the same on November 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Hyundai and Kia fire recall affects almost 3.5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked
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